Alpha Lipoic Acid/ ALA

α-Lipoic acid (ALA) is an endogenous powerful antioxidant with both water-soluble and fat-soluble properties, and is known as the "universal antioxidant". It has a small molecular weight and strong penetration, and can directly reach the cell mitochondria and whole body tissues. It shows multiple health values ​​in the fields of anti-aging, metabolic regulation, neuroprotection and anti-glycation, and has become a star ingredient in the field of modern nutritional supplements.

Super strong antioxidant and anti-aging α-Lipoic acid directly removes reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl free radicals and peroxynitrite, and can regenerate antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione to form a synergistic defense network. Its antioxidant capacity is 400 times that of vitamin C/E. Its water-lipid dual-solubility allows it to penetrate deep into the dermis of the skin, reduce ultraviolet-induced collagen glycation (AGEs), improve wrinkles, spots and rough skin, and clinical topical use can increase skin brightness by more than 30%.

As a coenzyme of pyruvate dehydrogenase, α-lipoic acid promotes the conversion of glucose into energy, enhances insulin sensitivity, and reduces insulin resistance. Studies have shown that daily supplementation of 600 mg can increase the nerve conduction velocity of diabetic patients (an average increase of 4.5 m/s) and significantly relieve the pain and numbness of peripheral neuropathy. At the same time, it reduces endothelial oxidative damage and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

α-lipoic acid can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, reduce the toxicity of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) deposition on neurons, and delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease; by chelating excess iron ions, it inhibits oxidative stress and improves Parkinson's disease symptoms. Clinical trials have shown that long-term supplementation can improve memory and attention and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

As a natural metal chelator, α-lipoic acid can bind to toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, accelerate their excretion from the body, and reduce the burden on the liver. It has a clearing effect on fat accumulation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and reduces liver inflammation indicators (such as ALT, AST).

Alpha-lipoic acid activates the AMPK signaling pathway, promotes fat oxidation metabolism, and reduces visceral fat accumulation. Studies have shown that overweight people supplement 600 mg daily, and their body fat rate drops by an average of 5.2% after 24 weeks. At the same time, it inhibits the binding of sugar to collagen, reduces skin glycation damage, and maintains skin elasticity.